Raleigh Shop Owner Reflects on Decade in Business, Biggest Regret

Charlotte Smith of Union Camp Collective discusses lessons learned, inventory challenges, and plans for the future

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Charlotte Smith, owner of Union Camp Collective in Raleigh, North Carolina, is reflecting on the past decade of running her vintage and antiques shop. In a recent interview, Smith discussed her winding path to opening the business, the challenges of building a brand, and her biggest regret - not investing more aggressively when opportunities arose. Smith also shared her future aspirations, including expanding her sourcing trips internationally and establishing a distinct aesthetic identity for Union Camp Collective.

Why it matters

Smith's story provides insights into the realities of running an independent retail business, from navigating inventory challenges to balancing business goals with family life. Her candid reflections on lessons learned and missed opportunities offer valuable lessons for other small business owners, particularly in the home goods and vintage retail sectors.

The details

Smith's journey to opening Union Camp Collective began with diverse experiences, including selling wedding dresses in New York City and working for a stylist. Despite her time in New York, she felt drawn back to her hometown of Raleigh and the creative energy of her parents' vintage and antiques shop. The genesis of Union Camp Collective was serendipitous, as Smith stumbled upon a large, old auto garage for rent and decided to secure the space. The initial years were a period of experimentation, with the aesthetic evolving from 'cheap and cheerful' to a more refined and 'bossier' style. Sourcing inventory has been a key component of Smith's business, with early on extensive travel throughout the Northeast and more recently a reliance on auctions due to the demands of parenthood.

  • Smith moved back to Raleigh in 2012.
  • Union Camp Collective opened in the mid-2010s.

The players

Charlotte Smith

The owner of Union Camp Collective, a vintage and antiques shop in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Elisa Goodkind

The founder of StyleLikeU, a fashion and lifestyle website, for whom Smith previously worked.

Kushner family

Smith also had a period working for the Kushner family, though the details of this experience are not provided.

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What they’re saying

“I immediately thought, 'I'm going to get that building and figure it out.' It was the most delusional thing I've ever done.”

— Charlotte Smith, Owner, Union Camp Collective (Business of Home)

“I come by [design] honestly. My dad is a collector; my mom is a collector and an artist.”

— Charlotte Smith, Owner, Union Camp Collective (Business of Home)

“A lot of the game of selling vintage and antiques is a game of nostalgia, and I think that is more appreciated by people who have been out in the world.”

— Charlotte Smith, Owner, Union Camp Collective (Business of Home)

What’s next

Smith is currently experimenting with adding Fridays to Union Camp Collective's open hours, in addition to Saturdays, to better accommodate designers who often have more flexibility at the end of the workweek.

The takeaway

Smith's story highlights the challenges and lessons learned in running an independent retail business, particularly in the home goods and vintage sectors. Her candid reflections on missed investment opportunities and the importance of building a distinct brand identity offer valuable insights for other small business owners.